Friendly photography
Club History
The Club was formed in October 1945 in Arundel and members were treated to "The first lantern lecture by James Jarche, chief cameraman for the Illustrated magazine, entitled 'People I have Shot'". But after a short time it moved to Littlehampton as more of the members lived there.
Its very first venue was in the Norfolk Arms, followed by Arundel Town Hall.
After moving to Littlehampton it used the Bungalow Cafe in Beach Road, Trent's Bakery, also in Beach Road, and then the Masonic Hall, now the Constitutional Club in Church Street. It stayed there for a few years but then moved to Amberley House, again in Beach Road, followed by the Crown Hotel, Terminus Hall at the back of the Terminus Hotel opposite the Station, and finally the Knight Hall at the rear of the Congregational Church,
now the United Church. In 1979 the Club moved to the Methodist Church Hall in Rustington as the greater majority of the members came from the Rustington area.
Some well known members were E.G.Hayler(above right) who ran the business of J. White & Sons, Photographers, in Beach Road a firm founded in the 19th century; Herbert (Jack) Thompson (left), local photographer and historian of Littlehampton; Howard Bayliss, Bookseller & Stationer in Terminus Road, and Bernard Elsden, Solicitor.
Competitions were instituted almost from the start of the Club, and are very much a part of the club's programme today. Until the 1960's it was all photographic prints, then colour slides became much more popular with most of the club using this method, but now digital printing has almost ousted the traditional photographic print, and many more members contribute in this format.
The Club's policy for many years has been "Friendly photography" and this is evident by the high membership figure of over 80. For many years outings were arranged in the summer months by Doris & Stan Groom(right), and walks in the surrounding area were much appreciated producing many interesting photographs. Today only the walks continue as most people nowadays have their own transport.
With thanks to Harry Clark.
See more images from the past (here)